Volunteer
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Your time and unique talents are critical to bringing strength and hope to wish kids when they need it most. In fact, our volunteers are at the heart of every wish experience.
Together, we can make countless wishes come true.
I don't know any other way to do as much good for people who are so deserving than to volunteer for Make-A-Wish Greater Virginia. There is so much opportunity to help.
Rich, Wish Granter Volunteer
At every level of the organization, volunteers are critical to our mission. To get started on bringing hope and joy to local children with critical illnesses as a Make-A-Wish volunteer, please review the steps below on our current onboarding process.
- Watch the Volunteer Introduction video below and then fill out this volunteer questionnaire.Â
After you submit your online questionnaire, please allow up to two weeks to receive a response from our chapter. - Complete a volunteer interview phone call.
- Attend specialized training for certain volunteer positions.
- Complete a background check (required for wish granters, translators, office volunteers and some skill-based volunteers).
Volunteer Introduction Video
Can I volunteer around my schedule?
We understand that many volunteers have other commitments such as work, family and involvement in other organizations, which is why volunteering with Make-A-Wish Greater Virginia is a great fit. Work with staff and other volunteers to ensure timing works for everyone.
Can anyone be a volunteer?
Make-A-Wish Greater Virginia requires that volunteers be 18 years or older. Students in K-12 that are interested in volunteering for the Foundation should check out our Kids for Wish Kids® program and or review options by clicking here.
Why do I need a background check?
Due to the nature of our work, select volunteer positions must successfully complete a criminal background check every 3 years. Make-A-Wish Greater Virginia does not employ or utilize as a volunteer any individual who has been convicted of a crime that (a) victimizes children, (b) is sexual in nature, or (c) involves violence, fraud, or significant theft. Your background check will last for three years. Please contact us with any questions related to past convictions and/or our background check screening process.
What is a wish granter exactly?
Wish granters, working in teams of two, help in all stages of a child's wish. Wish granters work directly with wish kids to help them decide on a wish and work creatively to find donated goods and services to help with the wish celebration ahead of the actual wish. Often, the type of wish determines the level of the wish granter's involvement. Wish granters are asked to attend a mandatory training, held in communities as needed, and work on at least two wishes per year. Wish granters must be 21 years of age or older.
What is the time commitment for this volunteer position?
While we do ask for at least a one-year commitment, you are able to work around your schedule when working with the wish families and other volunteers. Wish granters spend an average of 8 hours total spread across the time they are working with a wish child and their family.
I have a friend/coworker/family member who also wants to volunteer – are we allowed to work together?
Yes! Once you are both trained and pass with a clean background check you can sign up for wishes together.
We are currently looking for volunteers who speak both English and Spanish. Our local Make-A-Wish chapter serves a large percentage of Spanish speaking, and we do not have enough Spanish speaking volunteers to meet our wish family's needs. If you are fluent in both English and Spanish, please consider becoming a wish granting volunteer.